ENCOURAGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARTNERSHIP WITH AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND TO ADVANCE BIOSECURITY, CONSERVATION, PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, AND OTHER ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN.

SR161

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

161

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

supporting the establishment of a sister state
relationship with New Zealand to advance biosecurity, conservation, protection
of endangered species, and other issues of mutual concern
.

����
WHEREAS, the
State and New Zealand have a shared heritage as Pacific island communities with
strong histories of indigenous leadership and engagement; and

����
WHEREAS, New
Zealand and the State also face many similar challenges, including the constant
threat of invasive species that can destroy agricultural resources and native
habitat, pushing numerous species to the brink of extinction, particularly
indigenous birds and other wildlife found nowhere else in the world; and

����
WHEREAS, while
the State has made progress in addressing the myriad causes contributing to
species decline, existing efforts must be supplemented to prevent further loss
of biodiversity; and

����
WHEREAS, New
Zealand is a global leader in biodiversity and conservation, maintaining an
integrated system to prevent, manage, and eradicate pests and diseases that
threaten its economy, native plants and animals, ecosystems, and cultural and
community well-being; and

����
WHEREAS, New
Zealand's biosecurity system employs people, technology, processes, and rules
to manage risks offshore, at the border, and within the country, making it one
of the best examples of comprehensive island ecosystem protection in the world;
and

����
WHEREAS, among
other programs, New Zealand has created thirty-five sanctuaries for endangered
species and habitat, such as Zealandia (Te M
ā
ra a T
ā
ne)
in Wellington, which is a pioneering conservation sanctuary that demonstrates
how fully protected, predator-excluded habitats allow native birds, reptiles,
and plants to thrive and recover in near-natural ecosystems; and

����
WHEREAS, fostering
a partnership between the State and New Zealand would allow the State to
benefit from New Zealand's biosecurity expertise, sanctuary models, species
recovery programs, and community engagement strategies to protect endangered
species and restore native ecosystems; now, therefore,

����
BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, that the State is encouraged to build a partnership
with New Zealand to advance biosecurity, conservation, protection of endangered
species, and other issues of mutual concern; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor;
New Zealand Consul General Hawaii; and Director of Business, Economic
Development, and Tourism.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
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New
Zealand; Biosecurity; Conservation; Endangered Species; Partnership